فصلنامه دامپزشکی ایران
سال هجدهم شماره 76 (پاییز 1401)

This experiment was carried out on diabetic rats (male Wistar rats with 210±10 g body weight) in a complete randomized design with seven replications at the Laboratory of Pharmacology group, Veterinary Faculty, Shiraz University during 2022. In the present study, A. brachycalyx leaf extract was used for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). This study was designed to evaluate the effect of A. brachycalyx leaf extract and its silver nanoparticles on diabetic rat induced by Streptozotocin. The synthesized AgNPs using A. brachycalyx (ABLE-AgNPs) were characterized through UV-visible spectroscopy followed by X-ray diffraction, Transmission Electron Microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Dynamic Light Scattering. A. brachycalyx extract and ABLE-AgNPs were investigated for their activities as an anti-diabetic agent in rats. The investigated treatments includes: 1. Healthy control, 2. Solvent control, 3. Diabetic rats that received A. brachycalyx extract with a dose of 100 mg/kg, 4. Diabetic rats that received A. brachycalyx extract with a dose of 200 mg/kg, 5. Diabetic rats that received 30 mg/kg of A. brachycalyx extract-AgNP and 6. Diabetic rats that received 60 mg/kg of A. brachycalyx extract-AgNP. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the synthesized particles are found to be in range of 4–25 nm size. The dyslipidemic conditions as seen in the diabetic control were found to be significantly improved in AgNPs-treated diabetic rats. Furthermore, AgNPs reduced the blood glucose level over the period of treatment. The improvement in the body weight was also found to be evidence for A. brachycalyx extract-mediated AgNPs as a potential antidiabetic agent against STZ diabetic rats. The highest weight of the rat at the end of the treatment stages belonged to treatment 6 (60 mg/kg silver nanoparticles). Treatment 2 (diabetic and not receiving medicine) showed a decrease in growth and weight. The treatment 2 showed an increasing trend in the amount of blood glucose level. While the treatments using A. brachycalyx extract and nanoparticle showed the reduction trend of blood glucose level. Blood glucose level reduction in treatment 6 was more than other treatments (71%). This study revealed that the AgNPs are found to be safe and environmentally friendly, hence, these AgNPs can be considered in treating diabetes associated syndrome.

Nettle (Urtica dioica) is one of the most important native plants that have been used for the treatment of a variety of diseases, but limited data is available about its beneficial effects on histological changes of skin during wound healing. In the present study, the effects of 5% and 10% alcoholic cream of nettle leaf extract as an experimental drug in wound healing were investigated. The rats (n=30) were randomly divided into five experimental groups. The back of the animals using a puncture machine was wound. Then all of them were treated twice a day for two weeks. The control group received saline at the site of the normal wound. The sham group received the eucerin solvent and the phenytoin group received 1% ointment. Two experimental groups received 5% and 10% of Nettle extracts. Finally, 14 days after the start of the study histological changes in the skin of the wound site, granulation tissue amount, granulation tissue fibroblast maturation, collagen deposition, re-epithelialization, neovascularization, hydroxyproline content, and the percentage of wound healing in different experimental groups were analyzed. On day 14 of the experiment, the phenytoin and NE-treated groups had better effects on wound healing compared with the control group. Hydroxyproline content in dried wounds was significantly increased in the NE-treated groups compared to control groups. These results in 10% NE-treated group were significantly better than the 5% NE-treated group. These findings were confirmed by histological examination as well. According to the obtained results, nettle extract, to some extent similar to common chemical wound healing drug such as phenytoin, had a positive effect on skin changes during wound healing and these effects were dose-dependent.

Fracture repair is a complex biological process that requires the cooperation of various types of cells and materials. Today, various techniques such as low-density pulse ultrasonography and electrical stimulation are used to accelerate bone healing. The therapeutic effects of ozone on bone repair have been considered in recent years. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of ozone gas on the speed of full-thickness bone defect healing. We selected 30 male weight equal rabbits and, in aseptic surgery, resected a 3-mm-thick piece of full-thickness of bone. Then we divided randomly them into two equal groups, the control, and the recipient. In the first, second, third, and sixth weeks of the radiographed bones were obtained. Also, in the third, sixth, and eighth weeks of each group, 5 rabbits were euthanized and their bones were histopathologically evaluated. Results from the second to sixth weeks of the study showed a significant difference between the treatment group and the control group. This difference was indicative of an increase in the rate of bone healing in the treatment group. Ozone therapy can therefore be considered effective in bone healing.

Based on genetic factors, trace minerals are essential for thyroid function and hormone metabolism. For this purpose, serum levels of thyroid hormones and some blood micronutrient concentrations in lambs were determined, compared and their relationships were investigated. A 176 lambs including 70 males under 2 months old and 106 females aged over 2 months were selected from Ghezel and Makui breeds. The 5 ml Jugular blood was prepared and the sera were evaluated for the concentrations of T3, T4, TSH, copper, iron and zinc. Thyroid hormones were determined by ELISA and trace minerals by autoanalyzer method. Mean T3 and TSH in males were higher than females and T4 in females were higher than in males but only TSH was significant. The mean serum concentrations of copper, iron and zinc in males were less than females in that only copper and zinc were significant and iron was not different. TSH in males was 36.3% higher than in females, copper and zinc in females were 12.6% and 7.3% higher than in males, respectively. The T3/T4 ratio was higher in males than in females and overall the T3/T4 ratio was low. Significant negative relationships were found between T3/TSH (r=-0.36) and T4/copper (r=-0.24) in males but not in females. Significant negative relationship was also found between TSH/T3 (r=-0.16) for all lambs. Significant positive relationships were presented between copper/zinc (r=0.38) and iron/zinc (r=0.44) in males, females and overall (P<0.01). In conclusion, the thyroid hormones and micronutrient concentrations in lambs’ blood were about the standard level. The amount of thyroid hormones and trace minerals with the exception of T3, were higher in females than in males. The T3/T4 ratio was higher in males than in females. Thyroid hormones were not correlated with trace minerals in males and females except between TSH/Zn and T4/copper which were negative. There were positive and significant relationships between copper/zinc and iron/zinc in males, females and overall samples but copper/iron was not correlated. Finally, mares are predisposing to trace minerals and thyroid hormones sufficiency than females.

The endometritis form of uterine infection is considered as a common reproductive disorder deleterious to the reproductive performance of dairy herds. A wide variety of treatments with controversial results have been reported for endometritis, including local or systemic administration of antibiotics or disinfectants as well as hormone application. These treatments have side effects on endometrium, and antibiotic residues are found in milk following intrauterine and systemic antibiotic therapies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the possible effects of the mixed essential oil of Satureja bachtiarica Bunge, Artemisia Aucheri Boiss and Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry on treatment of clinical endometritis in dairy cattle. One hundred and twenty cows with clinical endometritis were selected and randomly assigned to one of the following three groups: the HM group received mixed herbal essential oils, the OX group received 2.5 g oxytetracycline HCl, and the EX group received 1 g of ceftiofur sodium, all by intrauterine injection. The cleaning and first service conception rate was significantly higher in HM group than the EX, whereas the mean open days were lower in HM than the EX group. The number of service per conception was also significantly lower in HM group than OX and EX groups. In general, reproductive performance after herbal treatment was quite comparable to chemical antibiotic therapy and even better in some other reproductive indices. The mixed essential oils treatment represents an effective potential alternative to postpartum therapy for cows with clinical endometritis.

Most histotechnical methods and preparation of tissue sections were invented and used in the 18th and 19th centuries. Due to the colorless nature of most cells and tissues in the body, tissue staining methods were used from the beginning to differentiate cells and tissues. Materials & Methods According to sources and reports in this field, the time required for each hematoxylin-eosin staining period is approximately 80 minutes. In the present study, a method of hematoxylin-eosin staining is reported that reduces the time required for staining by maintaining the quality of sections and staining from 80 minutes to less than 40 minutes. Also, considering the existing problems regarding the cost of histochemistry and immunohistochemistry kits, the Low amount of kits and the problems that exist in the drip staining method of this type of staining, the present report tries to present three creative methods in this regard. These methods increase the quality of the prepared slides, in addition to reducing consumables. Optimization of tissue staining steps can reduce expenses spent and increase the quality of tissue sections.

Lactic acid bacteria are the most common bacteria used as probiotics in aquaculture. This study aimed to isolate and identify lactic acid bacteria and yeasts with probiotic potential from the intestine of gilthead seabream. Five fish were randomly selected (mean weight: 279.88±17.67 gr) from Nixa Design and Development Farm located in Charak port and 25 fish fries (mean weight: 39.43±9.67 gr) from Tiab Pran Qeshm farm in Qeshm Island. The selected fish had a healthy appearance and were also chosen randomly. Lactic acid bacteria and yeasts were isolated and purified from the intestines of the specimens and identified based on morphological characteristics and molecular sequences. Then these isolates were evaluated based on fundamental probiotic indicators, including acid resistance, bile salts, antagonistic properties, and Haemolytic activity for fish. 12 isolates were purified based on color, shape, and colony size. Then, two yeasts and five bacteria with different morphology were identified using gram staining and microscopic examinations. All lactobacillus isolates had antagonistic properties against the pathogenic bacterium Vibrio harveyi. Two strains of yeast; Rhodotorula mucilaginosa CBS 316 and Wickerhamiella infanticola CBS 7922, were isolated. The lactic acid bacterium isolated from the intestine of the gilthead seabream included two genera of Enterococcus and Bacillus respectively. The results of probiotic potency tests showed that isolates 1 (bacteria), 3, and 6 (yeast) had the best performance. From the obtained data, it was concluded that the use of a combination of bacteria and yeasts as probiotics in aquaculture has higher efficiency.

Escherichia coli are commensal gastrointestinal microflora of human and animals, but some strains due to the presence of pathogenic factors may cause various animal and human diseases. The present study aimed to identify antimicrobial resistant pattern and biofilm formation potential of E. coli derived from beef cattle in Ilam and Kurdistan provinces. Samples were taken from neck, arms and thighs of 90 slaughtered cows (45 cows from Ilam and 45 cows from Kurdistan). E. coli isolation was done based on culturing on selective and differential culture media and biochemical tests. The antibiotic susceptibilities and biofilm formation potential were done by Kirby Bauer's disk diffusion and microtiter plate (MtP) tests, respectively. The Spearman rank correlation test performed to study the correlation between antimicrobial susceptibility and biofilm formation and p values less than 0.05 were considered as a significant level. Of 270 meat samples, 42 E. coli were isolated. In both provinces, samples taken from the thighs had significantly more E. coli bacteria than necks and arms. The highest resistance rate was reported to sulfamethoxazole and tetracycline (85.71%), followed by ampicillin (80.95%). Besides, all E. coli were sensitive to colistin. Based on MtP, 24 (57.14%), 12 (28.57%) and 6 (14.28%) isolates were categorized as strong, moderate and weak biofilm producer, respectively. The significant positive correlation was found between biofilm formation and resistance to ampicillin, amoxicillin, amikacin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, tetracycline and ceftriaxone. High antibiotic resistance rates and strong biofilm formation ability of E. coli isolates obtained from red meat suggest the need for continuous surveillance in the food chain.

Mycoplasmosis is one of the most important diseases in the poultry industry. mycoplasma synoviae is one of the important disease-causing factors in chickens, which causes respiratory tract infection and synovitis. and leads to significant economic losses to the poultry industry all over the world. In this study, mycoplasma infection of broiler flocks in Ahvaz slaughterhouse was investigated using molecular method. For this purpose, 200 samples of lung and trachea tissues and joint fluid of hock joint were collected from 20 broiler flocks with macroscopic symptoms and 20 samples from the mentioned parts from apparently healthy broiler chickens of each flock in the winter season. Tissue DNA extraction was performed. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect Vlha gene of mycoplasma synoviae. Of the 200 samples, 55 lungs and 45 tracheas from flocks with macroscopic symptoms and 4 lung and trachea samples from apparently healthy birds were positive. In the molecular examination of joint samples, no positive cases were observed for the presence of mycoplasma synoviae. The PCR products of positive samples were sent to Gene FanAvaran Company for sequencing. The sequence of a part of the Vlha gene of this isolate was compared with other isolates in the gene bank and it was about 99% similar to the previous Iranian isolates (IRG11/C/09, IRG6/C/08, IRG1/C/08). According to the results of the present study, mycoplasma synoviae is common among broiler flocks under investigation in Ahvaz slaughterhouse. Therefore, the policy makers of the health system of the poultry industry should prevent the economic losses caused by this disease with preventive measures.

Silymarin as an antioxidant compound has hepatic and renal protection effects. Numerous studies have reported liver and kidney damage caused by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Hence, the present study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of silymarin against 5-FU-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Rats were divided into three groups: control (distilled water + dimethyl sulfoxide1ml/day intraperitoneal for two weeks), 5-FU (distilled water + dimethyl sulfoxide1ml/day intraperitoneal from the first day to the end of the eighth day along with 20mg/kg of 5-FU from the ninth to the end of the study), and 5-FU + silymarin (50mg/kg silymarin /day intraperitoneal for 2 weeks along with 20mg/kg of 5-FU from the ninth day to the fourteenth day). At the end of the experiment, the rats were killed and blood samples were taken for measuring serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and antioxidant activities. Also, liver and kidney tissues were sampled. Results revealed that the activities of ALP, ALT, AST, and LDH in the 5-FU group were higher than in the control group, while their activities were similar in both silymarin and control groups. The silymarin group had a significant decrease (20.64%) in urea compared to the 5-FU group. Also, the silymarin group had significant increases (37.47%) in total antioxidant capacity compared to the 5-FU group. Histopathological analyses of the liver revealed the hepatic focal necrosis and renal epithelial necrosis in the 5-FU group compared to the control group. However, there were not notable pathologic changes to liver and kidney tissues of the silymarin group. It was concluded that silymarin had the protective effects on 5-FU-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

This study was aimed to investigate the status of energy balance during mating, pregnancy and after lambing and its relationship with reproductive outcomes in Gray Shirazi sheep. Thirty healthy Gray Shirazi ewes that were kept in industrial conditions were randomly selected. During lambing, the ewes were examined for the rate of multiplication as well as abortions and the weight of lambs at birth. Blood sampling was performed during mating, on the last two to four weeks of pregnancy, and on one to two weeks after delivery. Serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), and progesterone were assessed. There was a significant rise in IGF-1 level in late pregnancy compared to that in early lactation. In addition, the concentration of BHBA was significantly increased during pregnancy and postpartum compared to the mating time. Maximum BHBA and NEFA concentrations at the end of pregnancy and postpartum were in twin and singleton pregnancies, respectively. In addition, the highest BHBA concentrations were accompanied by the lowest BCS of ewes. Moreover, there was a significant direct correlation between lamb weight and NEFA, BHBA, and progesterone. In conclusion, serum indicators of energy balance, particularly insulin and BHBA, are largely influenced by reproductive stages, especially pregnancy and the number of lambs in Gray Shirazi ewes. Accurate identification of these changes is essential in diagnosing abnormal conditions and metabolic and nutritional disorders in this breed.

Trichoblastomas are the most common benign cutaneous tumors in rabbits. Since, these neoplasms have various sub-types; therefore they may be confused with other similar tumors having basaloid epithelial cells constituents. A male five-year-old mixed lop-eared rabbit had a palpable two-lobulated firm and motile oval mass located under the right ear between the mandible and neck measuring 3×1.5×1 cm without ulceration. The general condition of the rabbit was good and there was no fever or abnormality in the leukogram. A grayish-white mass was fixed in 10% buffered formalin after surgical excision. Pathologic observations of Hematoxylin and Eosin, Periodic Acid Schiff and Masson’s trichrome stained sections from the mass confirmed a tumor consisting of typical basaloid epithelial cells in both ribbon and trabecular (mixed) features with stromal connective tissue. Moreover, immunolabeling of the tumor was performed by CK AE1/AE3, CK7, CK20, CD10, Vimentin, S100 and Ki67. Based on pathology and immunohistochemistry, a diagnosis of mixed type trichoblastoma was made for the mass.  Immunohistochemically, there was a strong CK AE1/AE3 expression (>50% of basaloid tumor cells), strong immunolabelling (>50%) of tumor-associated stromal trabecular connective tissue against vimentin and weak positive immunoreaction (1-10% of tumor stromal cells) against S100. Also, the tumor was confirmed as a weak proliferative by Ki67. On the other hand, the expression of CK7, CK20 and CD10 was 30-40% (moderate), 20-30% (moderate) and <10% (weak) in tumor cells respectively. Accordingly, using CK7, CK20, and CD10 with other markers can be useful in differentiating animal trichoblastoma from similar tumors such as basal cell carcinoma, trichoepithelioma or other tumors that originate from basaloid epithelial cells of hair follicles.